Dr. Jeffrey C. Carrier

Scientist • Mentor • Leader in the American Elasmobranch Society


Dr. Jeffrey “Jeff” Carrier devoted his life to sharks, science, and people. For decades, he shaped the American Elasmobranch Society not only through his research, but through his mentorship, service, and unwavering commitment to community.

In July 2026, colleagues, students, and friends will gather at the American Elasmobranch Society annual meeting to honor Jeff’s life and legacy through a dedicated memorial symposium and the establishment of a new award that will honor service and mentorship in Jeff’s name.

The Symposium

Sharks of the Shallows: A Tribute to the Life and Work of Dr. Jeffrey C. Carrier

The Proposed New Award

The AES Jeffrey C. Carrier Meritorious Service Award

Share a Memory
Make a Contribution or Pledge
View Photos of Jeff


Please help us reach our $20,000 goal to honor Jeff’s legacy. Contributions of any size are welcome and deeply appreciated.

For questions, email DrNickWhitney at gmail dot com.




Carrier Memorial Donors

Great thanks to the donors and supporters below for contributing in Jeff’s memory.


Platinum — $1,000 and over

Aka: Gravid Female Nurse Shark Level

The ultimate powerhouse level: mature, resilient, and making an outsized contribution to the next generation.

Carol Carrier, (Beloved wife of Jeff Carrier)
Tonya Wiley, Havenworth Coastal Conservation (AES; colleague/collaborator) Anonymous (AES; colleague/collaborator)


Gold — $500 and over

Aka: Adult Nurse Shark Level

Mature, long-lived, and ready to contribute to population growth.

Julie Voigt (Friend)
Susan Elizabeth Birtch Geisler (former student, Albion)
Innovosea (Telemetry provider and institutional supporter)
Anonymous (colleague/friend/AES)
Derek Burkholder (Albion, AES)
Toby Daly-Engel (AES)
Nick and Holli Whitney (Albion, AES)
Halmos College of Arts and Sciences Nova Southeastern University (institutional supporter)


Silver — $100 and over

Aka: Juvenile Nurse Shark Level

Three- to five-footers, hanging out together under a reef ledge, wily, flexible, and able to bite their own tail.

Harold “Wes” Pratt (Colleague/collaborator/friend) Andrew French (Albion Colleague/collaborator, Friend, Fellow weekend woodworker)
Frank Murru (colleague/collaborator/friend)
Greg Skomal (colleague/collaborator/friend/AES)
Lisa Whitenack (colleague/collaborator/friend/AES)
Kelly Jenkins (former student, Albion)
Matthew Smukall (colleague/collaborator/friend)
Anonymous (colleague, AES)
Hallprint Pty Ltd (aware of his good work through Nick Whitney)
Michael Heithaus (colleague/friend/AES)
Anonymous (colleague/friend/AES)
Caroline Collatos(colleague/collaborator, friend, AES)
Anonymous (colleague, AES)
Mike and Linda Whitney (friends, Albion)
Sharks4Kids (former student, colleague/collaborator, friend)
Jacquelyn Hauser (former student, Albion)
Ann and Hugh Hasley (parents of former Albion student, Dr. Andrew Hasley)
Kimberly B. Ritchie (colleague/collaborator, friend, professional acquaintance)
Carylanne Joubert Maier and Joey Maier (professional acquaintances)
David H. Evans, University of Florida (colleague/collaborator; Jeff’s Ph.D. advisor)
Ari Rojas Corzo, Harbor Branch Oceanographic Institute (colleague/collaborator)
Beth Bowers, Smithsonian Environmental Research Center (colleague/collaborator/friend)
Lisa Swanson, Newfound Harbor Marine Institute (colleague/collaborator)
Lisa Lewis, Craig & Rachel Bieler, Albion College (Albion colleagues/friends)
Peter Mitchell, Albion College President Emeritus (Albion colleague)
Hugh M. Sanchez (Albion student)
Christine Bratton-Heilman (Albion student)


Bronze — up to $99

Aka: Young-of-the-Year Nurse Shark Level

So adorable with their spots and umbilical scars. They are the future.

James Russell III (friend of Dr. Whitney)
Stephanie Thurner (mentee/Albion)
Anonymous (friend)
Naomi Scott (student) Christy Starsinic (professional acquaintance)
Eloise Cave (colleague/collaborator/friend)
Hau Mai (friend)
Jon Krisbergh (Seacamper)
Jo Deutsch (Miami Killian High School student and life-long friend)


Please help us reach our $25,000 goal to honor Jeff’s legacy by sharing this site or posting a photo, comment, or story at the Carrier Symposium Event Page.





Share a Memory of Jeff

Please use the guestbook below to share a memory, story, reflection, or note about Jeff. Messages will appear publicly.

Jim Beck Jim Beck from Washington DC wrote on July 18, 2026 at 11:23 pm
The good Dr. Carrier offered me several memorable and meaningful opportunities at Albion including local research contributions, door openings to great internship at Shedd Aquarium, testing waters of research at Duke University Marine Lab, chasing nurse sharks almost all the way to Cuba ((not quite but felt that way) at the Dry Tortugas, and a related senior thesis. Indeed he is the reason I came to Albion. Happened to encounter a certain Morley Fraser at a critical time when I was sorting out where to for undergrad, and he introduced me to Dr. Carrier. Grateful for the opportunities offered and trust placed in me. While I didn’t pursue the work with the cartilaginous fishes and got sidetracked with bony fishes in peace corps, my time with Dr Carrier at Albion was foundational. Very thankful! Onward!
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A few images to remember Jeff…

  • young Jeff in early Albion days